The Definitive Fit Guide to the New Leggings Brands

Bandit is a running brand based in New York City. Since their launch in October 2020, they’ve minted a spot as a “cool” brand with fun innovative visuals and even more exciting styles. What started as simply socks has grown into a cult-y running brand with two New York brick and mortar stores. 

They run true to their size guide, which always feels like a gamble. I ordered a large, but needed to size down to the medium. Because I’m tall, I tend to order larges across the board to accommodate length, and that was unnecessary here. The size inseam is 27”.  I’m comfortable with the length and the fit through the hips and legs. The waist is just a tiny bit big. The material is heavy (heaviest of the bunch) and supportive. I think they may be good for someone with straighter hips. Of all of the leggings tested, they do pockets the best (tilted back, thus not pulling the leggings down with my phone inside it), and I think they are the coolest looking overall. Even the logo is cool. If you want to look fast and like you kick ass, Bandit is your top choice. 

Woman owned, Splits59 touts themselves “functional clothes that transcend your workout.” Based in Los Angeles, they’re popular among pilates girls who are heading straight to brunch from class. Their signature color-blocked looks differentiate their leggings from other brands in a subtle way.

Splits59 inserts and lines are very complementary to curves, and they sit smoothly on the body. (I felt especially good in this pair because the lines are so flattering.) With fun variations like flares and stir-ups, it’s strong enough for a reformer pilates class and cute enough for a post-burn matcha. I love the fit and feel of these while working out (including the 26.5” inseam). I didn’t have to fuss with them while moving, which is a key consideration when it comes to leggings.

Norba is a Ukraine-based activewear brand founded by sisters. They skew a little sexier in style with their bodysuits, and they did the high cut front panel before the Skims x Nike collab. 

These leggings are so, so soft, and they aren’t restrictive at all. The Italian materials truly offer the second-skin feel. If you’re looking for high support, there are better options as these are the lightest of the group, but if you want a fit that doesn’t squeeze or pop open at the waist or run tight on the ankles, Norba is it. They lay flat on the body and the inseam is 28”. Their sizing is limited, only going up to a size large and 40” hip, but they’d be good for any body shape. However, they run a little big. I’m wearing a size medium in this brand. 

The most size inclusive of the list, Athleta isn’t new to the leggings game. It’s been around since 1998 and was acquired by GAP in 2009. Delivery will be fast, returns will be easy and it’ll be nearly impossible to not find the right size and fit for you. They even come in lengths – regular, tall and petite. And, because they’re part of a bigger parent company, you can expect deeper sales! (This pair is under $60 right now.)

I tried both the Interval High Rise Legging with their PowerMove which offers medium-to-high compression and Salutation Stash High Rise Legging for medium compression. I felt like my underwear kept moving with the leggings and I had to pull them up a bunch to keep the crotch up, but I love the Salutation Stash High Rise legging. The fit was great, much like Norba’s but Athleta has substantially more support. Only Bandits are heavier. I ordered the tall option in both and the inseam is 28.5”. (No cold ankles!)

Vuori gear has been a favorite among men for some time, but they found a new fan in me. Overall, these are my favorite fit in waist, length and look. They’re plain, so they are not the most exciting  style per se, but functionally these are my favorite of the bunch. They have a solid size range, come in lengths, and I like that they have typical darker colors as well as brighter ones and earth tones. 

I tried a large in their AllTheForm™ legging which officers enhanced compression legging made with Vuori BlissBlend™ fabric and the medium in AllTheFeels™ Legging which offers lightweight support legging and is made with the same, both in the tall length. I like both a lot but prefer the AllTheForm™ pair for my typical activities. The inseam measures 27”, and the pockets are good on these too. 

Craft is a Swedish-brand focused on performance gear and endurance sports, and quietly sold to those communities for decades. But, in the name of trying leggings for a variety of focuses, activities and from new brands, we’ve tried them out. 

I love the fabric and color of these, but I didn’t find that they fit true to the size guide. They are ⅞ length (which typically looks short and awkward on me personally), but the ankle or bottom of the legging squeezed my leg. The inseam is 25”. On full length larges, it would be 32” per the size guide. It’s the only size guide that includes inseam measurements. 

The thighs fit fine, but the waist and front area felt big for me. I ordered a large, and I think a full length medium would’ve been more suitable. These may be good for a more apple shaped body and someone with shorter legs, but with decades of history and being developed in the small textile town in southern Sweden, it may be a great fit for you.